[IMG][/IMG]
Any project needs to start with a good PSU - this is an Antek 20+20V shielded transformer, and 317/337 linear regulator PSU from Tubecad.com. (Model PS-12) Of course you could use the Super Regulator V2.2 from the diyAudio store. Super Regulator V2.2 - Power Supplies and Accessories - Circuit Boards Look to the support thread to see the changes for 24V operation. (I didn’t use the Super Reg as that particular PCB wasn’t available when I ordered all my stuff…)

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gall...0/IMG_2252.jpg
Transformer wiring shown here - IEC (which holds the fuse) to the AC switch, then to the transformer primary. Transformer secondary to the PSU board. (configured as a center-tap) The purple shield lead connects to the same point as AC mains safety earth.

https://origin.dastatic.com/forums/g.../IMG_04151.jpg
BA-3 gain stage (Front-end) PCB. Note that there are PSU connections (V+, V-, GND) for each channel.
Also raise resistors R10 and R11 as shown, you will need to clip test lead there to set this stage’s bias and DC offset.

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/gall...0/IMG_2262.jpg
If you connect the BA-3 power wires to the back of the PCB they will be out of the way and closer to the chassis - two birds, one stone. Also in most of these photos, R2 is not installed. I later put it in and the attenuator switching pops went away.

Place one voltmeter (Set to DC volts) across R12 - to observe DC offset

Place a voltmeter (Set to DC volts) across R11 another across R10.

For test - slowly dial up Variac ( presuming that you have one , as man with many skills) up to full mains voltage , observing rail voltage at PSU ....... thinking about max cap voltage ( 25V as in FW ? ) , because with 0 Iq PSU is unloaded and voltage is maxed (It’s useful to have another meter for this…) If nothing is smells bad, and the magic smoke is still in the circuit - leave Variac at full mains ;

IF you don’t have a Variac, you must build a lightbulb mains lead. (with a 25W bulb)

What's important - Iq (measured as the voltage across source resistors; the Mosfet bias) must be very low , offset is irrelevant in this moment .

Now turn one pot one turn ( assuming that you have multiturn pots) then turn other pot one turn. Continue, one turn at a time on each pot until something happens.

Observe voltage across resistors and output DC offset.

Proceed one then second pot , again just one turn

Observe Iq and offset

Again one turn + one turn

Now you are probably in range when you can see which pot is pulling offset in right direction - to 0 . It will feel like one of the pots is controlling the bias on both sides, and the other is controlling the DC offset.

It’s best to increase the bias a bit, and then zero the offset. As you zero the offset you will decrease some of the bias, so it will be two steps forward and one step back. That action is normal.

As you increase the bias and zero the offset, remember to always keep the offset near zero. If you run out of turn on the pots, determine your max bias, with zero offset. (It’s useful for troubleshooting)

Proceed iteratively with pots , while you set - say - 75% of desired bias, with zero offset. Remember, full bias is 1V across R10 and R11, with zero offset BEFORE the capacator. If you measure after the cap there should always be no DC.

Now - put lid on box and let it cook for a while - until you get thermal equilibrium on heatsinks

It's best to use wire/clips to leave those voltmeters in place ;

Open the lid , up bias to - say - 90% of desired one ,while maintaining offset

Put lid on , let it cook.

Check again.

If all is OK - move voltmeters for Bias and offset to other channel and repeat procedure.

Use it few days at 90% of desired bias , then check and set to 100%

Remember - temp. equilibrium with lid on is important.

Setting P3 - BEFORE installing and soldering P3 it’s best to adjust the pot so you have equal resistance from pin 1-2 and pin 2-3.

If you didn’t set it, determine how many turns the pot has. Run the pot all the way to one limit (they usually click) and then turn the adjustment the other way for 1/2 of it’s turns. (I.E.,if a 25-turn pot, adjust it 12.5 turns.)

Assuming well matched Jfets the neutral position is going to sound really nice, with 2nd harmonic dominant at most levels. IF you have access to a distortion analyzer, or a high-resolution FFT (or both…) give the amp a 1K test sine wave that outputs 3V measured at the output. Then adjust P3 as necessary for the harmonics you prefer. If you adjust for minimum THD, you will likely have nulled out most of the 2nd harmonic and made it 3rd dominant, which in my opinion makes it very fast and clean, at the expense of soul. YMMV.

Anyway, if you DON’T have a distortion analyzer or similar, take careful notes and turn the pot a few turns (or more) in whatever direction you want and see what it sounds like. It’s a subtle change, but I think you will sense something. You can refer to you notes and see where you like the pot the best. And if you ever get lost, set it back to neutral, (with the power off) just bottom the pot in one direction and set it back to 1/2 it’s travel.

Zen Mod

22nd June 2014 12:46 AM

I'm recognizing portions of text , written in ZMengrish language

:rofl:

well done

:cheers:

6L6

22nd June 2014 12:52 AM

Why be original when you can copy&paste?

:) :) :)

vdi_nenna

22nd June 2014 01:49 AM

Very nice. Thanks for putting this guide together.

bcmbob

22nd June 2014 03:47 PM

Very interesting - both the thread and the background article. I have a question about what comes after the pre. Having its own power system would appear to influence the implementation of power in the next stage. I other words - I have the BA-3 FE and output boards in standard configuration. Everything working from the same trani/PS (in my case dual mono). If I wanted to add the source selection and volume capabilities to what I have now, what (if any) changes - other than possibly a second chassis - to the power source/configuration for the output section would be required. I'm trying to envision what that would look like.:scratch:

richluvsound

22nd June 2014 05:45 PM

Stunning work as always !

;)

Rich

Dennis Hui

23rd June 2014 03:37 PM

Jim, thanks for another great build guide.

Cheers,
Dennis

vdi_nenna

23rd June 2014 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmbob
(https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/258022-ba-3-preamp-build-guide-post3968591.html#post3968591)

Very interesting - both the thread and the background article. I have a question about what comes after the pre. Having its own power system would appear to influence the implementation of power in the next stage. I other words - I have the BA-3 FE and output boards in standard configuration. Everything working from the same trani/PS (in my case dual mono). If I wanted to add the source selection and volume capabilities to what I have now, what (if any) changes - other than possibly a second chassis - to the power source/configuration for the output section would be required. I'm trying to envision what that would look like.:scratch:

Bob, I see what you are saying. Why not just add a volume control, input selector and RCA inputs and have a integrated amp.

Could be you'd just have to reduce the BA3 front-end's gain, but then that would affect the output stage. If you leave the gain setting (+30db?) as is on the BA3 front-end, the signal will be too hot or be a bad impedance match for the source.

Maybe someone with some electronics knowledge could explain it better. :confused:

6L6

23rd June 2014 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmbob
(https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/258022-ba-3-preamp-build-guide-post3968591.html#post3968591)

If I wanted to add the source selection and volume capabilities to what I have now, what (if any) changes - other than possibly a second chassis - to the power source/configuration for the output section would be required.

None. :)

Quote:

I'm trying to envision what that would look like.:scratch:

The power amp would have a few sets of input jacks, a selector switch and a pot. It doesn't need to be any more complicated.